The life and death of Osama

May 3, 2011 12:00 AM

President Barack Obama delivers the news to the nation, from the East Room of the White House, that Osama bin Laden has been killed.

President Barack Obama delivers the news to the nation, from the East Room of the White House, that Osama bin Laden has been killed.

Photo: Pete Souza, The White House

President Barack Obama delivers the news to the nation, from the... Photo-1170202.16269 - Houston Chronicle

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President Barack Obama talks with members of the national security team at the conclusion of one in a series of meetings discussing the mission against Osama bin Laden, in the Situation Room of the White House, Sunday, May 1, 2011, in Washington. less

President Barack Obama talks with members of the national security team at the conclusion of one in a series of meetings discussing the mission against Osama bin Laden, in the Situation Room of the White House, ... more

Photo: Pete Souza/The White House Via Associated Press

President Barack Obama talks with members of the national security... Photo-1170206.16269 - Houston Chronicle

President Barack Obama makes a point during one in a series of meetings in the Situation Room of the White House discussing the mission against Osama bin Laden. National Security Advisor Tom Donilon is pictured at right. less

President Barack Obama makes a point during one in a series of meetings in the Situation Room of the White House discussing the mission against Osama bin Laden. National Security Advisor Tom Donilon is pictured ... more

Photo: Pete Souza, The White House

President Barack Obama makes a point during one in a series of... Photo-1170208.16269 - Houston Chronicle

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President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden, along with members of the national security team, receive an update on the mission against Osama bin Laden in the Situation Room of the White House.

President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden, along with members of the national security team, receive an update on the mission against Osama bin Laden in the Situation Room of the White House.

Carmen BinLadin, former sister-in-law of Osama Bin Laden, talks about him at a downtown Geneva hotel. She said, hours after the al-Qaida chief was killed by U.S. forces in a hideout in Pakistan, that her former brother-in-law would have chosen death over capture. less

Carmen BinLadin, former sister-in-law of Osama Bin Laden, talks about him at a downtown Geneva hotel. She said, hours after the al-Qaida chief was killed by U.S. forces in a hideout in Pakistan, that her former ... more

This aerial photo released by the Pentagon, Department of Defense (DoD) shows pre and post contraction of the compound in Abbottbad, Pakistaan where a US military operation was conducted and Al-Qaeda mastermind Osama bin Laden was killed on May 1. less

This aerial photo released by the Pentagon, Department of Defense (DoD) shows pre and post contraction of the compound in Abbottbad, Pakistaan where a US military operation was conducted and Al-Qaeda mastermind ... more

Photo: HO, Getty

This aerial photo released by the Pentagon, Department of Defense... Photo-1170211.16269 - Houston Chronicle

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Supporters of hardline pro-Taliban party Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Nazaryati (JUI-N) shout anti-US slogans during a protest in Quetta after the killing of Osama Bin Laden by US Special Forces in a ground operation in Pakistan's hill station of Abbottabad. Pakistan said that the killing of Osama bin Laden in a US operation was a "major setback" for terrorist organisations and a "major victory" in the country's fight against militancy. less

Supporters of hardline pro-Taliban party Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Nazaryati (JUI-N) shout anti-US slogans during a protest in Quetta after the killing of Osama Bin Laden by US Special Forces in a ground operation ... more

This May 2 photo shows the FBI website announcing the death of Osama Bin Laden.

This May 2 photo shows the FBI website announcing the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Photo: KAREN BLEIER, Getty

This May 2 photo shows the FBI website announcing the death of... Photo-1170216.16269 - Houston Chronicle

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Omar Osama bin Laden, right, and his British-born wife Jane Felix-Brown, now known as Zaina Alsabah sought asylum, though he did not renounce his father. He has said he wants to be an "ambassador for peace" between Muslims and the West. less

Omar Osama bin Laden, right, and his British-born wife Jane Felix-Brown, now known as Zaina Alsabah sought asylum, though he did not renounce his father. He has said he wants to be an "ambassador for peace" ... more

In Afghanistan, bin Laden surrounded himself with a private army and used his own resources to establish and fund a haven for potential terrorists. He has been in hiding as America's "public enemy No. 1" in the region. less

In Afghanistan, bin Laden surrounded himself with a private army and used his own resources to establish and fund a haven for potential terrorists. He has been in hiding as America's "public enemy No. 1" in the ... more

Bin Laden's murder and hate came to U.S. soil on Sept. 11, 2001, when al-Qaeda terrorist attacks killed 2,749 people.

Bin Laden's murder and hate came to U.S. soil on Sept. 11, 2001, when al-Qaeda terrorist attacks killed 2,749 people.

Photo: CHAO SOI CHEONG, AP

Bin Laden's murder and hate came to U.S. soil on Sept. 11,... Photo-1170223.16269 - Houston Chronicle

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“The pieces of the bodies of infidels were flying like dust particles. Had you seen it with your own eyes, you would have been very pleased, and your heart would have been filled with joy," bin Laden said of the attacks, part of his "war against the infidels." less

“The pieces of the bodies of infidels were flying like dust particles. Had you seen it with your own eyes, you would have been very pleased, and your heart would have been filled with joy," bin Laden said of ... more

Photo: JIM COLLINS, AP

“The pieces of the bodies of infidels were flying like dust... Photo-1170224.16269 - Houston Chronicle

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The sky glows orange as the sun rises over the damaged side of the Pentagon with the U.S. Capitol behind in Washington, Sept. 13, 2001. A hijacked airplane crashed into the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001, causing extensive damage. less

The sky glows orange as the sun rises over the damaged side of the Pentagon with the U.S. Capitol behind in Washington, Sept. 13, 2001. A hijacked airplane crashed into the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001, causing ... more

Photo: Luke Frazza, AFP

The sky glows orange as the sun rises over the damaged side of the... Photo-1170225.16269 - Houston Chronicle

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A newspaper cover in the form of an Osama bin Laden wanted poster hangs on a wall Sept. 18, 2001 in a Brooklyn, N.Y. subway station. Bin Laden quickly emerged as the leading suspect in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. less

A newspaper cover in the form of an Osama bin Laden wanted poster hangs on a wall Sept. 18, 2001 in a Brooklyn, N.Y. subway station. Bin Laden quickly emerged as the leading suspect in the 9/11 terrorist ... more

Photo: Getty Images

A newspaper cover in the form of an Osama bin Laden wanted poster... Photo-1170226.16269 - Houston Chronicle

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A portrait of Saudi dissident Osama bin Laden burns in New Delhi after protestors set alight his effigy during a protest against terrorism. The attacks on the U.S. launched worldwide vitriol against the leader.

A portrait of Saudi dissident Osama bin Laden burns in New Delhi after protestors set alight his effigy during a protest against terrorism. The attacks on the U.S. launched worldwide vitriol against the leader.

In addition to the 9/11 attacks, Al-Qaida organization was also blamed for the 1998 bombings of two U.S. embassies in Africa that killed 231 people and the 2000 attack on the USS Cole that killed 17 American sailors in Yemen, as well as countless other plots, some successful and some foiled. less

In addition to the 9/11 attacks, Al-Qaida organization was also blamed for the 1998 bombings of two U.S. embassies in Africa that killed 231 people and the 2000 attack on the USS Cole that killed 17 American ... more

For years after the September 11 attacks, al-Qaida chief Osama bin Laden, shown in a file photo, vowed further violence against the U.S.

For years after the September 11 attacks, al-Qaida chief Osama bin Laden, shown in a file photo, vowed further violence against the U.S.

Photo: Anonymous, AP

For years after the September 11 attacks, al-Qaida chief Osama bin... Photo-1170230.16269 - Houston Chronicle

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Picture made off TV screen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Sunday night Oct. 6, 2002 shows an Al Jazeera satellite channel broadcast which included an audiotape in which a male voice attributed to Osama bin Laden said the "youths of God'' are planning more attacks against the United States. less

Picture made off TV screen in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Sunday night Oct. 6, 2002 shows an Al Jazeera satellite channel broadcast which included an audiotape in which a male voice attributed to Osama bin Laden said ... more

A match box shows the picture of suspected terrorist Osama bin Laden (above) and an address for providing information about him, 18 February 2000. Match boxes and currency notes offering a reward of five million dollars for information about the suspected terrorist, started appearing in Pakistan. less

A match box shows the picture of suspected terrorist Osama bin Laden (above) and an address for providing information about him, 18 February 2000. Match boxes and currency notes offering a reward of five ... more

Supporters display posters of suspected terrorist Osama bin Laden as they raise their hands to show their willingness to go to neighboring Afghanistan and fight against U.S. forces during an anti-U.S. rally in Quetta, Pakistan, Friday, Oct. 12, 2001. The word "Hero" is written in the poster in the center. less

Supporters display posters of suspected terrorist Osama bin Laden as they raise their hands to show their willingness to go to neighboring Afghanistan and fight against U.S. forces during an anti-U.S. rally in ... more

A Pakistani man holds a poster of Osama bin Laden during a rally in support of the Taliban and bin Laden and against the U.S. Friday Oct. 12, 2001 in Peshawar, Pakistan. A few thousand men took part in the event less

A Pakistani man holds a poster of Osama bin Laden during a rally in support of the Taliban and bin Laden and against the U.S. Friday Oct. 12, 2001 in Peshawar, Pakistan. A few thousand men took part in the ... more

A small group of Pakistani supporters of the ruling Taliban in Afghanistan display a portrait of terrorist suspect Osama bin Laden as they stage a protest rally in Karachi, Pakistan, soon after the U.S.-led coalition attacked targets in Afghanistan late Sunday, Oct. 7, 2001. less

A small group of Pakistani supporters of the ruling Taliban in Afghanistan display a portrait of terrorist suspect Osama bin Laden as they stage a protest rally in Karachi, Pakistan, soon after the U.S.-led ... more

Photo: Zia Mazhar, AP

A small group of Pakistani supporters of the ruling Taliban in... Photo-1170235.16269 - Houston Chronicle

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Men who fought alongside him recall a brave guerrilla fighter, unafraid of close combat and already a hardened opponent of the United States and its foreign policy.

Men who fought alongside him recall a brave guerrilla fighter, unafraid of close combat and already a hardened opponent of the United States and its foreign policy.

A video grab dated June 19, 2001 shows Saudi dissident Osama bin Laden in a videotape said to have been prepared and released by bin Laden himself. Copies of the tape, which shows members of bin Laden's organization Al-Qaeda, or "The Base," training at their al-Farouq base in Afghanistan, were circulated to a limited number of Islamists. less

A video grab dated June 19, 2001 shows Saudi dissident Osama bin Laden in a videotape said to have been prepared and released by bin Laden himself. Copies of the tape, which shows members of bin Laden's ... more

In this Oct. 29, 2004 image from video, Osama bin Laden speaks in this image made from an undated video broadcast by Al-Jazeera television. Then Democratic presidential nominee Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., believes that bin Laden cost him the presidency by issuing a videotape that criticized Bush and warned U.S. voters that "your security is in your own hands" in the election. less

In this Oct. 29, 2004 image from video, Osama bin Laden speaks in this image made from an undated video broadcast by Al-Jazeera television. Then Democratic presidential nominee Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., ... more

Muslim women demonstrate adjacent to the Pakistan Embassy 18 September 2001, where protesters belonging to the Al- Muhajiroun chanted anti US slogans and their support to Osama Bin Laden and the Taliban.

Muslim women demonstrate adjacent to the Pakistan Embassy 18 September 2001, where protesters belonging to the Al- Muhajiroun chanted anti US slogans and their support to Osama Bin Laden and the Taliban.

A composite image shows Osama bin-Laden in April 1998, left, and two digitally enhanced and aged images released Thursday, Jan. 14, 2010 on the U.S. Department of State's web site rewardsforjustice.net showing what bin-Laden could look like with a full beard and with his hair trimmed. less

A composite image shows Osama bin-Laden in April 1998, left, and two digitally enhanced and aged images released Thursday, Jan. 14, 2010 on the U.S. Department of State's web site rewardsforjustice.net showing ... more

An undated file picture of Saudi dissident Osama Bin Laden, in an undisclosed place inside Afghanistan. The Taliban said on Aug. 8, 1998, that bin Laden had nothing to do with two bomb attacks against United States embassies in Kenya and Tanzania. The billionaire Bin Laden, member of a family of wealthy Saudi construction tycoon, was blamed for two bomb blasts in his home country in 1995-96 that killed 24 US servicemen. less

An undated file picture of Saudi dissident Osama Bin Laden, in an undisclosed place inside Afghanistan. The Taliban said on Aug. 8, 1998, that bin Laden had nothing to do with two bomb attacks against United ... more

In this file image, Osama Bin Laden, the al-Qaida leader, appears on this layout for an FBI poster after he was placed on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list in June 1999, in connection with the bombings of the U.S. Embassies in Tanzania and Kenya. less

In this file image, Osama Bin Laden, the al-Qaida leader, appears on this layout for an FBI poster after he was placed on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list in June 1999, in connection with the bombings of the U.S. ... more

In this 1998 file photo, Ayman al-Zawahri, left, poses for a photograph with Osama bin Laden, right, taken in Khost, Afghanistan and made available Friday March 19, 2004. A person familiar with developments said Sunday, May 1, 2011 that bin Laden is dead and the U.S. has the body. less

In this 1998 file photo, Ayman al-Zawahri, left, poses for a photograph with Osama bin Laden, right, taken in Khost, Afghanistan and made available Friday March 19, 2004. A person familiar with developments ... more

This Oct. 12, 2000 file photo provided by the U.S. Navy shows damage sustained on the USS Cole after a suspected al-Qaida terrorist bomb exploded during a refueling operation in the port of Aden, Yemen.

This Oct. 12, 2000 file photo provided by the U.S. Navy shows damage sustained on the USS Cole after a suspected al-Qaida terrorist bomb exploded during a refueling operation in the port of Aden, Yemen.

A video grab dated 19 June 2001 shows Saudi dissident Osama bin Laden firing an AK-47 (Kalashnikov) sub-machine-gun in a video tape said to have been prepared and released by bin Laden himself. Copies of the tape, which shows members of bin Laden's organization Al-Qaeda, or "The Base", training at their al-Farouq base in Afghanistan, have been circulated to a limited number of Islamists. less

A video grab dated 19 June 2001 shows Saudi dissident Osama bin Laden firing an AK-47 (Kalashnikov) sub-machine-gun in a video tape said to have been prepared and released by bin Laden himself. Copies of the ... more

An archive photo shows another appearance by bin Laden on air. His organization, Al-Qaida, has been blamed for the 1998 bombings of two U.S. embassies in Africa that killed 231 people and the 2000 attack on the USS Cole that killed 17 American sailors in Yemen, as well as countless other plots. less

An archive photo shows another appearance by bin Laden on air. His organization, Al-Qaida, has been blamed for the 1998 bombings of two U.S. embassies in Africa that killed 231 people and the 2000 attack on the ... more

A TV grab taken in September 2006 from a video produced by al-Qaeda-linked media group as-Sahab and broadcast by the Qatar-based al-Jazeera news network shows al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden at an undisclosed time and place. The video reportedly showed leaders and members of the al-Qaeda terror group preparing the attacks against the United States. less

A TV grab taken in September 2006 from a video produced by al-Qaeda-linked media group as-Sahab and broadcast by the Qatar-based al-Jazeera news network shows al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden at an undisclosed ... more

Photo: -, AFP/Getty Images

A TV grab taken in September 2006 from a video produced by... Photo-1170249.16269 - Houston Chronicle

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This April 1998 file photo shows Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan. In 2009, he announced that President Barack Obama inflamed hatred toward the U.S. by ordering Pakistan to crack down on militants in Swat Valley and block Islamic law in the area. less

This April 1998 file photo shows Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan. In 2009, he announced that President Barack Obama inflamed hatred toward the U.S. by ordering Pakistan to crack down on militants in Swat Valley ... more

This frame grab from the Saudi-owned television network MBC (Middle East Broadcasting Center) shows alleged terror mastermind Osama bin Laden. "God ordered us to terrorize the infidels, and we terrorized the infidels," the spokesman of Bin Laden's al-Qaeda network Suleiman Abu Ghaith said in the same tape, claiming the group's responsibility for the September 11 suicide attacks. less

This frame grab from the Saudi-owned television network MBC (Middle East Broadcasting Center) shows alleged terror mastermind Osama bin Laden. "God ordered us to terrorize the infidels, and we terrorized the ... more

In this undated still from video released Sept. 10, 2003, Al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden, left, and his top deputy Ayman al-Zawahri appear.

In this undated still from video released Sept. 10, 2003, Al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden, left, and his top deputy Ayman al-Zawahri appear.

Photo: AP

In this undated still from video released Sept. 10, 2003, Al-Qaida... Photo-1170254.16269 - Houston Chronicle

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In this file television image broadcast on Qatar's Al-Jazeera TV, is said to show Osama bin Laden, at the wedding of his son in January 2001.

In this file television image broadcast on Qatar's Al-Jazeera TV, is said to show Osama bin Laden, at the wedding of his son in January 2001.

Photo: AP

In this file television image broadcast on Qatar's Al-Jazeera... Photo-1170255.16269 - Houston Chronicle

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This television image released by Qatar's Al-Jazeera television broadcast on Friday Oct. 5, 2001 shows Osama bin Laden, left, handling a Kalshnikov rifle at an undisclosed location.

This television image released by Qatar's Al-Jazeera television broadcast on Friday Oct. 5, 2001 shows Osama bin Laden, left, handling a Kalshnikov rifle at an undisclosed location.

Photo: AP

This television image released by Qatar's Al-Jazeera... Photo-1170256.16269 - Houston Chronicle

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A t-shirt displaying the face of Al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden hangs for sale at a clothing market July 5, 2006 in Islamabad, Pakistan. Bin Laden remained a hero to a small minority in the Islamic world.

A t-shirt displaying the face of Al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden hangs for sale at a clothing market July 5, 2006 in Islamabad, Pakistan. Bin Laden remained a hero to a small minority in the Islamic world.